Pardini GP Rapid Fire
Pardini Armi S.r.l. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1990
Also known as: Pardini GP, Pardini GPE, Pardini GP-E
Overview
The Pardini GP Rapid Fire is an Italian semi-automatic target pistol chambered in .22 Short and purpose-built for the Olympic 25m rapid fire pistol discipline. Developed in collaboration with German champion Ralf Schumann, its blowback action, low-recoil short cartridge, adjustable anatomical grip and long sight radius made it a dominant match pistol until the event switched to .22 Long Rifle after 2004.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1000 g (35.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 300 mm (11.81") |
| Barrel Length | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Sight Radius | 220 mm (8.66") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 10 N (2.2 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 250 m/s (820 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 59 J (44 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 6 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Short · primary — also known as .22 Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: 5-Round Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Olympic 25m Rapid Fire Target Pistol, Adjustable Anatomical Grip, Adjustable Target Sights, Low-Recoil .22 Short Chambering, Dry-Fire Mechanism
Production
Production years: 1990-2005
Produced for Olympic and ISSF rapid fire competition; superseded by .22 LR rapid fire pistols after the 2004 rule change.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Giampiero Pardini
Notes
The .22 Short chambering was mandated for the ISSF 25m rapid fire pistol event through the 2004 Olympics; the GP-E electronic-trigger variant marked the peak of the platform.
Background
Ralf Schumann carried Pardini rapid fire pistols to multiple Olympic and World Championship titles, and the GP-E variant delivered his gold medal at Athens 2004 in the final Games contested with the .22 Short cartridge.